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Working together
I can help you navigate your life-altering illness in a variety of ways. We can work together privately, either in person or by phone, and include your family and/or caregivers when appropriate. Or you may choose to join a support group, which I facilitate by phone. Some clients choose to combine individual sessions and the group support.
If we meet in person, I can visit you at your home or in the hospital, or you can come see me in either my Oakland or Corte Madera office. We’ll decide together which location best suits your needs and circumstances.
Free teleconference on living with life-altering illness
Individuals and families
Groups
Fees
Free teleconference
As an introduction to me and my work, I offer free weekly teleconferences on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:15 am (PDT). We begin with a 15–20 minute overview of living with a life-altering illness, and identify some of the variables that contribute to your experience after diagnosis, such as your personal style, resources, support system, family dynamics and life stage. Then, if you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions or voice any concerns.
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If you have questions about the call, or anything else, please contact me.
Individuals and families
Step 1 – Free phone consultation
(30 minutes)
We begin with a free phone session during which I learn a little about you, your medical issues and the support you are seeking. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, and, most importantly, to feel if I am the right person to provide that support. If and when you decide that we are a good fit, we’ll make an appointment for an assessment meeting.
Step 2 – Assessment
(approximately 1½ hours)
If possible, we will meet in person for an assessment, and can include your family or caregivers, if appropriate. If we cannot meet face-to-face, we’ll connect by phone.
I will audiotape this session so that you can listen fully and not worry about what you might miss. The tape also can be a handy tool if you wish to share our conversation with your family members or caregivers.
During our time together, we will review your specific challenges, questions and concerns. We’ll explore your strengths and resources, and how best to use them.
We’ll also look at your personal style in the world. Are you assertive or do you prefer to be more receptive? Do you believe that you have control over your life or that your destiny is in the hands of fate or a higher power? Do you want to learn as much as you can about your condition and treatment plan, or would you prefer to know only what is necessary? Whatever your style, it will impact how you communicate with family, your health care team and your friends.
By the end of the assessment, we will have identified potential challenges that might arise as a result of your medical condition, course of treatment, personal style and family dynamics. You’ll have a better sense of your goals, priorities, fears and concerns – and most importantly, some ideas about how to handle them.
Step 3 – Follow-up phone session
Our next step after the assessment is a follow-up session by phone. We’ll talk about how you are doing, and you can ask questions and clarify any unresolved issues.
Step 4 – You decide what's next
You may decide that the assessment and follow-up are enough, and our work together would be finished at that point. There might be times, however, when you may want periodic follow-up sessions to receive additional support for specific issues or challenges. I am available to schedule time together as needed to support you through any difficulties.
Or you may wish to schedule regular sessions for ongoing practical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support. If you prefer to work together over time, I’m available to walk with you each step of the way, especially through the tough times.
Groups
Ongoing phone support for patients and caregivers
I offer two groups - one for patients and one for caregivers – that meet by phone twice a month for 1½ hours. Up to eight members make a three-month commitment, providing continuity, community and growing trust. Connecting with other patients or caregivers in a small group often provides a great source of mutual support, information and understanding in addition to the structure and focused expertise I provide.
Since it is likely that members may occasionally miss a session, our meetings will be recorded (with participants’ permission) and available ONLY to group members for review.
Please contact me by email or phone (510-547-0935) for availability and information about either group.
Retreats
I offer renewal retreats for clients and for caregivers twice a year. Please check back for details or email me if you’d like to know more.
Fees
Assessment: Includes 1½ hour audiotaped session plus 50-minute follow-up phone session – $395 (within a 30-minute drive from my office)
Individual sessions: $125 for a 50-minute session
Phone groups: Three-month commitment – $160 per month (or $450 for three months when paid in advance)
Retreats: Varies based on length of program and location. Please check back for details.
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Read my article: What you should know before your next doctor visit.
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